Public Guardian's Office

Overview

The Public Guardian is part of the Contra Costa County Health Services Department and is a County agency which provides conservatorship services if there is no one else who is qualified and willing to act.

Public Guardian may be ordered to act by the court on its own motion, or on the motion of an interested person if the court finds that appointment of the Public Guardian is necessary.

Types of Conservatorship

Two types of conservatorship are available.

A conservator of the person generally may be appointed for a person who is unable to provide properly for his or her personal needs for physical health, food, clothing, or shelter.

A conservator of the estate may generally be appointed for a person who is substantially unable to manage his or her own financial resources or resist fraud or undue influence.

A conservator can be appointed for the person, estate or both depending on the circumstances.

How to get a Conservator

Family members or other interested persons can also seek the assistance of a private attorney in obtaining a conservatorship, although an attorney is not necessary to do so.